Casting

AUCTIONEER$ – INTERVIEW WITH CEO DEB WEIDENHAMER

By Randy Cordova

THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC- The new cable series “Auctioneer$” hopes to shed light on the world of auctioneering. The reality show, in which you see how items are appraised and sold, is filmed in the Valley, with the producers setting the action at Auction Systems Auctioneers & Appraisers in Phoenix. Company founder and CEO Deb Weidenhamer talks about her business landing in the national spotlight.

Question: Were you worried about how you’d be portrayed?

Answer: One of the things they initially said is that they want to follow us around doing what we normally do. I thought that would be great, and it would really introduce more people to auctioning. I didn’t really have any concerns in the beginning.

Q: But when you first see yourself on camera? That can be a shock.

A: We had some really great camera guys that spent a lot of time making us look as good as they could with what they had to work with (laughing). I think it looks pretty natural, and it is what it is.

Q: What do you hope people take from the show?

A: I think the main thing that we hope people get is that they want to come and watch an auction. Auctions aren’t always what people think they are. It’s not just million-dollar pieces of art being sold. There are also ordinary items that are of use in everyday life. There is something for everyone.

Q: One of the stories in the pilot deals with Tiger Woods’ autograph. There was a lot of work authenticating the signature. Is that common?

A: What we probably consider ordinary items . . . we don’t spend a lot of time determining the value. But if you’re going to spend your money on a piece like the Tiger Woods ball, then we have to authenticate it.